A “macro” lens is not a must-have for close-up shots. This image was made using my “walk-about” Nikon 28-300mm lens at 300mm f/5.6.
It perhaps would have been a tad sharper if I’d backed off to 250mm. Like many zoom lens there’s a bit of a softness penalty at the both extremes — but in this case acceptable, in my view.
Fine image, Earl! The warm tones work as you expected, and the vignetting and the shallow DoF play well with the subject. That lack of ultimate sharpness is really no problem in this image, as it’s impression is founded on color and arrangement and light effect – nobody will count the hairs on petal residues…
Markus, I think you’re right. And if someone doesn’t like it because they can’t count the hairs on the petal, then they’re missing the whole point of the image anyway. Thanks!
very nice picture!!
Olivier, thank-you!
I’m with Mark, any lack of sharpness is not a problem. The wonderful blues and vignetting are what pull me into the image. I’m tempted to say this is a nice capture but I think it is the other way around, the image captures me.
Monte, as a photographer placing my “children,” these images, before others to judge…I don’t know I could ask for a better reaction. Thanks!
I also like how the one bloom is isolated in this shot Earl, yet showing what some of the surroundings look like. I have always been tempted to reduce my lens load by getting one of these all in one zooms.
Mark, thanks!
I find it very convenient to have an “all in one” zoom — for casual photo walk-abouts or if I’m visiting someplace where I’m not sure what I’ll find of photographic interest. Return visits, with images in mind, will often be with a prime or normal zoom for that “extra” sharpness or better low light performance. But the quality of these wide zooms are very respectable and with the D700’s higher ISO performance there’s not much penalty on the speed side either.
Your work with color lately has been superb, Mark
Chris, thanks, I appreciate it.
Well, sometimes that lack of absolute sharpness adds something to the photograph. I guess that I am not such a big fan of razor-edged sharpness. Anyway, I really like the mixture of the warms and cools in this photo. A very nice balance.
Paul, thanks. I agree in this case “razor-edged sharpness” would add nothing and might even subtract from the overall feel and impact of the image. Thanks again.
The warm lighting and the great colour combinations are wonderful! I love close-ups, they allow us to glimpse into another world, alien to our own, but infinitely more beautiful and tender.
Martina, thanks and I agree — seeing the “common things” differently, whether it be by unusual perspectives, lighting or distance gives that glimpse of untold realities.
lovely shot, I think zooms can work as a macro from time to time and I also love to use macro just for normal shots for it’s sharpness.
Either way fantastic color on this photo